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How to Design With Modern Benches

Benches aren’t just for the park, anymore. In fact, benches are an ideal, functional decor accessory for the home or office. Any piece that offers both style and purpose to a space is worth investing in.

I’ve long been a collector of chairs, picking them up here and there when I’ve needed them or have had no place for them at all. There is just something enticing to me about a piece of furniture that offers someone a place to rest. Lately, I’ve expanded my seating search to include the modern bench. While we might not linger on a bench as we would in a chair, they are still a place to rest weary feet, share a meal or help hold our most important things needed for our daily comings and goings.

One of my favorite places, which is a bit obvious, to place a bench is in an entrance at either the front or back of the home. In these entryways above benches are best to offer a quick seat of stability for taking off or putting on outer garments, such as boots and coats. They also offer a place to catch our bags and belongings or hide our baskets filled with gloves and hats, as we come in after a long day.

Another usual place that benches can be found is at the table. I think mixing chairs and a bench at the dining table is always interesting and never gets old. And if you have children than the idea of bench seating can be a brilliant one.

I have a few benches in my home and find myself moving them around for different purposes at different times. But these days, I’m loving benches for beauty. I love plopping them in space that needs some sprucing up, like maybe filling in that empty space at the foot of your bed. They add beauty on their own, yes, but I also love styling them with a variety of beautiful things. Covering a bench with pillows to add texture, pattern and depth is a favorite.

And another great idea is to use a bench as a place to display some of your favorite things. You can gather a grouping of books, candles, or set a large vase of beautiful branches on it, just off to the side.

The possibilities of decorating with benches are endless and the functionality just can’t be beat.